Intro to Florida Independent Wrestling

When many wrestling fans think of the independent wrestling scene, many territories come to mind. Without a doubt, it is almost commen knowledge that the Northeast is recognized as the "home" of indy wrestling. Also, the west coast has a couple of promotions that have gained some recognition and will become bigger as time passes. With the emergence of indy wrestling stars CM Punk, Colt Cabana and Ace Steel, the Chicago-area has even gained some recent buzz. That is evident by Ring Of Honor's decision to run shows in the Chicago-area for the first time.

However, one area that seems to have lost its place in the indy wrestling world is the indy wrestling scene for the state of Florida. For decades Florida was known as a hotbed for professional wrestling, but that has since changed. Many speculate that it changed when Vince McMahon decided to change the rules of the game and run nationally. Somewhere in the picture everything headed up North, and Florida was left behind. Ever since, Florida has lacked the exposure it should be getting. Until now that is.

It is with great honor I announce that DOI has named me the new correspondent to the Florida Indy Wrestling scene. My responsibilies will include attending shows, writing reviews, posting results and conducting interviews.

Now, I am not going to insult anyone's intelligence by making some absurd statement about how I plan on putting Florida on the map again. My plan, simply put, is to give the state of Florida the much deserved exposure that they need. If I change one person's mind about the Florida indy scene, then I have accomplished my goal because, contrary to popular belief, Florida DOES offer quality independent wrestling and DOES has several wrestlers that can go.

So without further ado, here is a brief preview of just 2 of the many promotions and their wrestlers that Florida has to offer. You may already recognize some names. If not, then give it some time because there will be stars to come out of the state of Florida.

(Please note: More promotions will be previewed in the future. This is just to give wrestling fans, not familiar with Florida, an idea of what we have to offer.)

1. NWA FLORIDA - Tampa/St. Petersburg area

NWA Florida is the bread and butter of the Florida indy scene. While there are too many to name, NWA Florida is one of the more recognizable affiliates of the NWA. NWA Florida will be running a show, Rage in the Cage 6 on May 1, which I will be covering extensively for DOI. Also, on June 4-5 NWA Florida will be hosting their 2nd annual Peterson Cup. The Peterson Cup will be 3 shows held over 2 days and will include a sixteen man tournament. Some of the names in the tournament that will be recognizable to the Northeast include JAPW's Azrieal, ROH's Homicide, ECWA's Matt Striker and independent superstar, Teddy Hart.

NWA Florida Names to Know (In no particular order)

Mike Sullivan - NWA Florida Southern Champion
Roderick Strong - NWA Florida X Division Champion; Very talented worker.
Jerelle Clark - NWA Florida Jr. Heavyweight Champion; Well known for his 630.
Sedrick Strong - Appeared in the 2003 ECWA Super 8 tournament.
Billy Fives - Teamed with Scoot Andrews for WWE dark match; Has appeared in ECWA
Scoot Andrews - See Above.
Steve Madison - Youngest NWA Florida Champion ever; Has worked in Japan & Puerto Rico; Very highly pursued by indy promotions all over the country.

www.nwaflorida.com

2. SOUTHERN CHAMPIONSHIP WRESTLING - Orlando/Central Florida area

Southern Championship Wrestling (SCW) has been running successfully for the last 5 years. Because of their ability to run quality shows on a consistent basis, they have gained a reputation as one of the better promotions on the Florida indy circuit. I attended their most recent show this past Saturday and was quite impressed with the show. They are running a show on May 1, in Haines City, Florida. The card will be posted shortly.

SCW Names to Know (In no particular order)

Chasyn Rance - Formerly of the now defunct MLW. Tremendous upside. Has appeared in over 30 different promotions.
Dagon Briggs - Has wrestled Low-Ki twice for NWA-TNA: Xplosion
Brian "The Blade" Gamble - SCW Southern Heavyweight Champion; Former WWE developmental deal wrestler
Vordell Walker - New to the Florida indy scene, but has the right look to be a star.
Aaron Epic - SCW Cruiserweight Champion; Will be appearing in 2004 JCW J-Cup
Kahagas - Will also be appearing in the 2004 JCW J-Cup
"Classy" Chris Nelson - Very well respected veteren of the business; Currently doing commentating for ROH DVD's.

www.scwflorida.com

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